Andrés Manuel López Obrador

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Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) is a Mexican politician and the President of Mexico since December 1, 2018. He was born on November 13, 1953, in Tepetitán, Tabasco. His political career began in the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the 1970s, but he left in the late 1980s to join the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD). López Obrador gained prominence in the PRD and served as the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2000 to 2005, where he focused on social programs and urban development.

López Obrador first ran for president in 2006 as the PRD candidate but lost narrowly to Felipe Calderón in a contested election. He ran again in 2012, losing to Enrique Peña Nieto. After leaving the PRD in 2012, López Obrador founded the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) in 2014. MORENA became a major political force, and López Obrador ran for president a third time in 2018 as part of a coalition with the Labor Party (PT) and Social Encounter Party (PES). He won the election with over 53% of the vote, marking a significant political shift in Mexico.

López Obrador’s presidency has focused on combating corruption, implementing social welfare programs, and pursuing austerity in government spending. He introduced the concept of the "Fourth Transformation" of Mexico, referring to historical periods of major change in the country’s past. His government has promoted large infrastructure projects, such as the Maya Train and the Dos Bocas refinery, while also canceling the Texcoco airport project.

López Obrador has faced challenges such as rising violence, economic difficulties, and the COVID-19 pandemic. His handling of the pandemic included public health measures, though his initial response was met with criticism for underestimating the virus. Despite ongoing issues with organized crime and violence, his policies have focused on reducing the role of the military in public security.

López Obrador’s presidency is set to end in 2024, as the Mexican constitution prohibits re-election.